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Frank Ramirez

Frank Ramirez is a native of Southern California and is the senior pastor of the Union Center Church of the Brethren near Nappanee, Indiana. Frank has served congregations in Los Angeles, California; Elkhart, Indiana; and Everett, Pennsylvania. He and his wife Jennie share three adult children, all married, and three grandchildren. He enjoys writing, reading, exercise, and theater.
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Commentary

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Three Impossible Things Before Breakfast -- Joel 2:21-27, 1 Timothy 2:1-7, Matthew 6:25-33, Psalm 126 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2018
In the book “Through the Looking Glass,” by Lewis Carroll, the chess pieces come to life, including
Then and Now -- Micah 5:2-5a, Hebrews 10:5-10, Luke 1:39-45 (46-55) -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2018
“Current Events” can be very significant at the time they happen, but they can change and/or grow in
Encountering the holy -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
In this week’s three scriptures we encounter the holy in different yet related ways, a reminder that
Can't I leave, just for a second? -- Exodus 32:1-14, Philippians 4:1-9, Matthew 22:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 23 | Ordinary Time 28 - A -- 2017
While Moses is up on Mount Sinai, his brother Aaron builds a golden calf.
Dramatic Irony -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
Agatha Christie’s mystery play The Mousetrap opened in 1952, and it has been running longer
Do not keep silence -- Isaiah 61:10--62:3, Galatians 4:4-7, Luke 2:22-40 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2017
The prophet says he will not keep silent for Zion’s sake.
Extraordinary Effort -- Acts 7:55-60, 1 Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2017
God is willing to go to any lengths to create us as a people, sustain us in life and death, and brin
According To Plan -- Isaiah 52:13--53:12, Hebrews 10:16-25, John 18:1--19:42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - A -- 2017
These three texts let us know that though the events of Good Friday seem to border on the chaotic, t
Live And Learn -- Exodus 17:1-7, Romans 5:1-11, John 4:5-42 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - A -- 2017
These three passages recognize that we all make mistakes -- and some of the mistakes could be disast
How It's Done -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 9-18, 1 Corinthians 3:10-11, 16-23, Matthew 5:38-48 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 7 | Ordinary Time 7 - A -- 2017
Our faith is a living faith. We are living temples.
Darkness To Light -- Isaiah 9:1-4, 1 Corinthians 1:10-18, Matthew 4:12-23 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 3 | Ordinary Time 3 - A -- 2017
In the season of Epiphany, Jesus is revealed. It’s more than just a question of seeing Jesus.
Landmarks -- Genesis 18:1-15 (21:1-7), Romans 5:1-8, Matthew 9:35--10:8 (9-23) -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 6 | Ordinary Time 11 - A -- 2017
Our lives are filled with a combination of physical, emotional, and spiritual landmarks.
Turning The Tables -- Genesis 29:15-28, Romans 8:26-39, Matthew 13:31-33, 44-52 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - A -- 2017
Turning the tables is an effective storytelling device in both comedy and tragedy.
A season not a reason -- Ecclesiastes 3:1-13, Revelation 21:1-6a, Matthew 25:31-46 -- Frank Ramirez -- New Year's Day - A, New Year's Day - B, New Year's Day - C -- 2016-17
These three scriptures together point to the reality of the world we live in.
A January Pentecost -- Isaiah 43:1-7, Acts 8:14-17, Luke 3:15-17, 21-22, Psalm 29 -- Frank Ramirez -- The Baptism of our Lord | Epiphany 1 | Ordinary Time 1 - C -- 2016
I’m not sure I want to steal any thunder from your preaching for Pentecost later this year, but it d
What's it take? -- Deuteronomy 26:1-11, Luke 4:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
As we begin the season of Lent we might ask “What’s it take?” What does it take for us to navigate t
Your move -- Genesis 15:1-12 (17-18), Philippians 3:17--4:1, Luke 13:31-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2016
Have you ever set across from someone during a game -- chess, checkers, or a board game -- and waite
Are you there? -- Isaiah 50:4-9a, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 22:14--23:56 -- Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2016
Isaiah 50:4-9a
I know you! -- Acts 9:36-43, Revelation 7:9-17, John 10:22-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
To know and to be known are important to our well-being.
The power of words and the Word -- Acts 11:1-18, Revelation 21:1-6, John 13:31-35 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2016
The power of God’s word, spoken and written, is emphasized in several places in scripture.
Whoooosh! -- Acts 2:1-21, Romans 8:14-17, John 14:8-17 (25-27) -- Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - C -- 2016
Whoooosh!

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God Is Present, No Matter What You Think -- Mark 2:23--3:6, 2 Corinthians 4:5-12, 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20), Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2018
What does it look like when God is present with us? What do God's emissaries look like?
It's More Than You Think -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2018
Esther is not just the winner of a beauty contest.
Encountering the holy -- Exodus 3:1-15, Romans 12:9-21, Matthew 16:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - A -- 2017
In this week’s three scriptures we encounter the holy in different yet related ways, a reminder that
Dramatic Irony -- Joshua 24:1-3a, 14-25, 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, Matthew 25:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2017
Agatha Christie’s mystery play The Mousetrap opened in 1952, and it has been running longer

Drama

Illustration

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Sermon Illustrations for Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 (2024) -- 1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43, Ephesians 6:10-20, John 6:56-69 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 16 | Ordinary Time 21 - B -- 2024
1 Kings 8:(1, 6, 10-11) 22-30, 41-43
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 (2024) -- Song of Solomon 2:8-13, James 1:17-27, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, Psalm 45:1-2, 6-9 -- Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas -- Proper 17 | Ordinary Time 22 - B -- 2024
Song of Solomon 2:8-13
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 4 (2024) -- Deuteronomy 18:15-20, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Mark 1:21-28 -- Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2024
Deuteronomy 18:15-20
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 18 | OT 23 | Pentecost 16 (2024) -- Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23, James 2:1-10 (11-13) 14-17, Mark 7:24-37 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas -- Proper 18 | Ordinary Time 23 - B -- 2024
Proverbs 22: 1-2, 8-9, 22-23
Sermon Illustrations for Epiphany 5 (2024) -- Isaiah 40:21-31, 1 Corinthians 9:16-23, Mark 1:29-39 -- Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - B -- 2024
Isaiah 40:21-31
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 (2024) -- Proverbs 1:20-33, James 3:1-12, Mark 8:27-38 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Bonnie Bates -- Proper 19 | Ordinary Time 24 - B -- 2024
Proverbs 1:20-33
Sermon Illustrations for Transfiguration Sunday (2024) -- 2 Kings 2:1-12, 2 Corinthians 4:3-6, Mark 9:2-9 -- Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - B -- 2024
2 Kings 2:1-12
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 (2024) -- Proverbs 31:10-31, James 3:13--4:3, 7-8a, Mark 9:30-37 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 20 | Ordinary Time 25 - B -- 2024
Proverbs 31:10-31
Sermon Illustrations for Ash Wednesday (2024) -- Joel 2:1-2, 12-17, 2 Corinthians 5:20b--6:10, Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21, Isaiah 58:1-9a (9b-12) -- Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Ash Wednesday - B -- 2024
Joel 2:1-2, 12-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 (2024) -- Esther 7:1-6, 9-10; 9:20-22, James 5:13-20, Mark 9:38-50 -- Bonnie Bates, Bill Thomas, Frank Ramirez, Mark Ellingsen -- Proper 21 | Ordinary Time 26 - B -- 2024
Esther 7:1-6, 9-10, 9:20-22
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 1 (2024) -- Genesis 9:8-17, 1 Peter 3:18-22, Mark 1:9-15 -- Frank Ramirez, Bill Thomas, Mark Ellingsen, Bonnie Bates -- First Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Genesis 9:8-17
Sermon Illustrations for Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 (2024) -- Job 1:1; 2:1-10, Hebrews 1:1-4; 2:5-12, Mark 10:2-16 -- Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Mark Ellingsen, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - B -- 2024
Job 1:1; 2:1-10
Sermon Illustrations for Lent 2 (2024) -- Mark 8:31-38, Romans 4:13-25, Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16 -- Mark Ellingsen, Bill Thomas, Bonnie Bates, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16

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See What You Want To See -- Exodus 20:1-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday in Lent - B -- 2024
You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishin
Wait! Who Wrote That? -- Ruth 1:1-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 26 | Ordinary Time 31 - B -- 2024
But Ruth said, “Do not press me to leave you, to turn back from following you!
Here I Am! -- 1 Samuel 3:1-10 (11-20) -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 4 | Ordinary Time 9 - B -- 2024
Then the Lord called, “Samuel! Samuel!” and he said, “Here I am!” (v. 4)
Don't Worry. Be Happy. -- Matthew 6:25-33 -- Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - B -- 2024
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or
Forward -- 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - B -- 2024
Your glory, O Israel, lies slain upon your high places! How the mighty have fallen! (v.
Who Knew? -- 1 John 3:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - B -- 2024
The reason the world does not know us is that it did not know him. (v. 1)
Origin Stories -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2024
Then I said, ‘See, I have come to do your will, O God’ (in the scroll of the book it is written
Earthly Kings -- 2 Samuel 11:1-15 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - B -- 2024
In the spring of the year, the time when kings go out to battle…. (v. 1)
Defying Gravity -- Acts 1:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Ascension of the Lord - B -- 2024
When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up, and a cloud took him out of thei
Not Quite A Dial of Destiny -- Matthew 2:1-12 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany of the Lord - B -- 2024
In the time of King Herod, after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, Magi[
The Value of Wisdom -- 1 Kings 2:10-12; 3:3-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 15 | Ordinary Time 20 - B -- 2024
At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, “Ask what I should giv
I Can See Clearly Now -- 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Deuteronomy 18:15-20 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 4 | Ordinary Time 4 - B -- 2024
We use the word epiphany to refer to moments when we really see people, places, or things for what t

Prayer

Sermon

Stories

StoryShare

Confronting Injustice -- Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
Contents “Confronting Injustice” by C. David McKirachan
Rules -- Leviticus 19:1-2, 15-18, Psalm 1, Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17, Deuteronomy 34:1-12, 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - A -- 2020
Contents “Rules” by C. David McKirachan
The First Christian Bestseller -- Psalm 78:1-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 27 | Ordinary Time 32 - A -- 2020
I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings from of old…we will tell to the com
Tangled Up in Stuff -- Deuteronomy 8:7-18, 2 Corinthians 9:6-15, Psalm 65 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Thanksgiving Day - A -- 2020
Contents “Tangled Up in Stuff” by C. David McKirachan
Wrong Way Reitway -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Contents “Wrong Way Reitway” by John Sumwalt
When the Church Doors are Closed -- Luke 2:22-40 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday after Christmas Day - B -- 2020
There was also a prophet, Anna…. She was of a great age….
The Principle of Paying Attention -- John 1:29-42, Psalm 40:1-11 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
Contents “The Principle of Paying Attention” by C. David McKirachan
Transfigured by Figures -- Exodus 24:12-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - A -- 2020
Contents "Transfigured by Figures" by Frank Ramirez
Comfable? -- Genesis 12:1-4a, Romans 4:1-5, 13-17, Psalm 121 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Contents “Comfable?” by C. David McKirachan
What Else Are We Supposed To Pray For? -- John 11:1-45, Ezekiel 37:1-14, Romans 8:6-11 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Fifth Sunday in Lent - A -- 2020
Contents "What Else Are We Supposed To Pray For?" by C. David McKirachan
Cries for Help -- John 13:1-17, 31b-35, Exodus 12:1-4 (5-10) 11-14, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Good Friday - A -- 2020
Contents “Cries for Help” by C. David McKirachan
A Litany in Time of Plague -- Psalm 116:1-4, 12-19 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
Contents “A Litany in Time of Plague” by Frank Ramirez
Here Am I -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
Contents “Remembering Our Limitations” by C. David McKirachan
What Words to Use -- Acts 17:22-31, 1 Peter 3:13-22 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Sixth Sunday of Easter - A -- 2020
Contents “What Words to Use?” by C. David McKirachan
You. Yes, You. -- Acts 2:1-21, Numbers 11:24-30 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Day of Pentecost - A -- 2020
Contents “You. Yes, You.” by C. David McKirachan
Yet to Come -- John 2:1-11, Psalm 36:5-10 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - C -- 2019
Contents “Yet to Come” by Peter Andrew Smith
Shining with Jesus -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a), Exodus 34:29-35 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2019
Contents “Shining with Jesus” by C. David McKirachan
Founded on a Dream -- Luke 13:31-35, Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18, Philippians 3:17--4:1, Psalm 27 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2019
Contents “Founded on a Dream” by C. David McKirachan
Filled with Passion -- Luke 22:14--23:56, Psalm 31:9-16 -- Peter Andrew Smith, Frank Ramirez -- Passion Sunday - C -- 2019
Contents “Filled with Passion” by Peter Andrew Smith
This Doesn't Make Sense -- Acts 10:34-43, John 20:1-18, Psalm 118:1-2, Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Easter Day - C -- 2019
This Doesn’t Make Sense by C. David McKirachan
Crossing Barriers -- John 13:31-35, Acts 11:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez, Peter Andrew Smith -- Fifth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
Contents "Crossing Barriers" by Frank Ramirez
Pay Attention -- Acts 16:16-34, Revelation 22:12-14, 16-17, 20-21, Psalm 97 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2019
Contents “Pay Attention” by C. David McKirachan

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Confronting Injustice -- Matthew 21:33-46, Isaiah 5:1-7 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Proper 22 | Ordinary Time 27 - A -- 2020
Contents “Confronting Injustice” by C. David McKirachan
Wrong Way Reitway -- John 1:6-8, 19-28, Psalm 126 -- John E. Sumwalt, Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - B -- 2020
Contents “Wrong Way Reitway” by John Sumwalt
The Principle of Paying Attention -- John 1:29-42, Psalm 40:1-11 -- C. David Mckirachan, Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 2 | Ordinary Time 2 - A -- 2020
Contents “The Principle of Paying Attention” by C. David McKirachan

Worship

SermonStudio

Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13) -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Isaiah 6:1-8 (9-13)Theme: There Must Be Some Mistake
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- Revelation 7:9-17 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Revelation 7:9-17Theme: Two Ways Of Looking
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Philippians 4:4-7 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philippians 4:4-7Theme: Say It Again!
First Sunday In Lent -- Romans 10:8b-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Romans 10:8b-13Theme: The Word Is Near You
Proper 24/Ordinary Time 29 -- 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 2 Timothy 3:14--4:5Theme: The Other 3:16
What Must We Do To Be Saved? -- Acts 16:16-34 -- Frank Ramirez -- Seventh Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Call To Worship
Proper 8/Ordinary Time 13 -- 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: 2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14Theme: Take Up The Mantle
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- 1 Corinthians 15:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: 1 Corinthians 15:1-11Theme: I Will Explain It Slowly
Fourth Sunday Of Easter -- John 10:22-30 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: John 10:22-30Theme: I Know This Guy!
Third Sunday Of Advent -- Luke 3:7-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Third Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 3:7-18Theme: Fruits Worthy Of Repentance
First Sunday In Lent -- Luke 4:1-13 -- Frank Ramirez -- First Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 4:1-13Theme: Satan's Best Shot
Proper 24/Ordinary Time 29 -- Luke 18:1-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 24 | Ordinary Time 29 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 18:1-8Theme: Don't Give Up So Easily
Proper 12/Ordinary Time 17 -- Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19) -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 12 | Ordinary Time 17 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Colossians 2:6-15 (16-19)Theme: Debt Relief
Proper 8/Ordinary Time 13 -- Galatians 5:1, 13-25 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Galatians 5:1, 13-25
Fifth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Luke 5:1-11 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 5 | Ordinary Time 5 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 5:1-11Theme: Big Fish, Big Pond
The Transfiguration Of Our Lord -- Luke 9:28-36 (37-43a) -- Frank Ramirez -- Transfiguration Sunday - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 9:28-36 (37-43)Theme: Is That Really You?
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Micah 5:2-5a -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Micah 5:2-5aTheme: Can So
Second Sunday In Lent -- Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18Theme: Just In Case You Forget ...
Proper 25/Ordinary Time 30 -- Joel 2:23-32 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 25 | Ordinary Time 30 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Joel 2:23-32Theme: God's Spirit On All
Proper 14/Ordinary Time 19 -- Luke 12:32-40 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 14 | Ordinary Time 19 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 12:32-40Theme: Finding Your Heart
Proper 8/Ordinary Time 13 -- Luke 9:51-62 -- Frank Ramirez -- Proper 8 | Ordinary Time 13 - C -- 2006
Gospel Lesson: Luke 9:51-62Theme: Single Minded, Single Purpose
Sixth Sunday After The Epiphany -- Jeremiah 17:5-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Epiphany 6 | Ordinary Time 6 - C -- 2006
First Lesson: Jeremiah 17:5-10Theme: Heavenly Horticulture
Second Sunday Of Easter -- Revelation 1:4b-8, Revelation 1:4-8 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday of Easter - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Revelation 1:4-8Theme: Will The Real Jesus Please Stand Up!
Fourth Sunday Of Advent -- Hebrews 10:5-10 -- Frank Ramirez -- Fourth Sunday of Advent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Hebrews 10:5-10Theme: This DayCall To Worship
Second Sunday In Lent -- Philippians 3:17--4:1 -- Frank Ramirez -- Second Sunday in Lent - C -- 2006
Second Lesson: Philippians 3:17--4:1Theme: Your Belly Or Your Life
UPCOMING WEEKS
In addition to the lectionary resources there are thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...
Proper 10 | OT 15 | Pentecost 5
30 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
30 – Children's Sermons / Resources
29 – Worship Resources
34 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 11 | OT 16 | Pentecost 6
29 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
27 – Children's Sermons / Resources
20 – Worship Resources
29 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Proper 12 | OT 17 | Pentecost 7
34 – Sermons
160+ – Illustrations / Stories
32 – Children's Sermons / Resources
26 – Worship Resources
31 – Commentary / Exegesis
4 – Pastor's Devotions
and more...
Plus thousands of non-lectionary, scripture based resources...

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John Jamison
Object: You may present this message as a simple story, or have the children act it out as a role-play. I will show the role-play version, but you can ignore the acting pieces and just tell the story if you prefer.

Note: For the role-play version, you will need to select two girls and one boy to play the roles. You might also have a broom and a dust rag if you want to.

* * *

Hello, everyone! (Let them respond.) Are you ready for our story today? (Let them respond.) Great! Let’s get started.

The Immediate Word

Mary Austin
Dean Feldmeyer
Christopher Keating
Thomas Willadsen
George Reed
Katy Stenta
For July 20, 2025:

Emphasis Preaching Journal

Mark Ellingsen
Bill Thomas
Frank Ramirez
Bonnie Bates
Amos 8:1-12, Psalm 52
Amos proclaims the word from God that punishes the people. The people are to be punished for their lack of faith, for their focus on practicing deceit, betraying honesty to their neighbors, and being impatient for the time after the Sabbath when they can focus on profit and selling their crops and wares. Oh, my! What a terrible message for people. You have been unfaithful so I will punish you. And then in the psalm, God is proclaimed to be the olive tree, that which brings blessing.
David Kalas
I have tried to find different ways of saying it so that my children don’t tire of hearing it. But the basic principle remains the same, and my kids have heard it a ton. “First things first.” They ask if they can do this or they start to do that, and I will endeavor to redirect them, saying, “Why don’t we make sure we’re doing first things first!”

StoryShare

John E. Sumwalt
I am now rejoicing in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am completing what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church. (v. 24)

The Village Shepherd

Janice B. Scott
One of Martha's earliest memories was of her little sister Mary singing and dancing in the middle of an admiring crowd of friends. Mary had always been a dancer, from the time she could walk. Privately, Martha thought she'd always been something of a show-off and ought to go on the stage, for Mary loved an audience.

SermonStudio

John E. Sumwalt
Jeanne Jones
Several years ago, before we moved to Wisconsin, I was an honorary nanny for our pastor's son, Jonathan. I took care of him from the time he was able to walk until our pastor moved, when Jonathan was about five. We had wonderful times together. One time, when I was at their house, and we had been doing some spiritual direction together, Pastor Michael asked me if I knew the name of my guardian angel.
James Evans
We are not surprised when we learn about crooks and robbers boasting about "mischief done against the godly" or "plotting destruction" all day long. The image we have in our minds about who "bad" people are, and how they conduct themselves, make such accusations completely plausible. We are less inclined to believe such things about leaders, especially respected leaders among us. We have difficulty believing someone with wealth and power would deliberately plot to do someone else harm.
Arley K. Fadness
Today's gospel from Luke 10 follows the parable of the good Samaritan. Luke positions the good Samaritan and the Mary-Martha story back to back for good reason. The parable and the story are examples of the Great Commandment "to love the Lord your God with all your heart and your neighbor as yourself." The good Samaritan parable illustrates "love to neighbor," whereas the Mary-Martha story illustrates "love to God."
Kirk R. Webster
In the early 1990s, Wesley Nunley of Dallas completed a project he had dreamed of for decades. "I tell you, this could be a big thing," he explained. Wes then walked out to a concrete octagon in the middle of his backyard. With a beaming smile, arms raised up in excitement, the energetic retiree said, "This welcomes the UFO to land, which has never been done before."
John W. Wurster
It was the best of times. A time of prosperity and confidence, a time of relative peace, a time when most everything looked pretty good, a time when most everyone felt pretty good. It was a time maybe not unlike our own time.
H. Burnham Kirkland
Words Of Assurance
Our God is both wise and caring: afflicting the comfortable and comforting the afflicted.

Pastoral Prayer
God, we bow before you this morning, knowing that you hear every prayer. We know that in all of Creation, you are the source of life. You are the one who set the light swirling between the galaxies. The breath of your Spirit pulses through all life. You have even become flesh among us. We praise you, Lord, that in all your wonder, you have not forgotten us.

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